- Hike up to the Pinnacles for impressive views across the Grampians
- Witness the stunning blue seas, powder white sands and secluded bays of Cape Le Grand National Park
- Take the chance to swim with sea lions and dolphins in Baird Bay
- Be treated to exceptional views of Loch Ard Gorge
- Keep an eye out for Koalas high in the gumtrees along the world renowned Great Ocean Road
07 Nov 2020
Melbourne to Perth Overland
PBANC
Validity: 01 Apr 2020 to 31 Dec 2021
Start in the world's most liveable city of Melbourne and head west on the iconic Great Ocean Road through the Grampians National Park to Adelaide. Hug the coastline from Adelaide to Perth, dropping into Port Lincoln for a frolic with the sea lions, or a dip with the great white sharks if you dare. Check out Esperance and Fitzgerald National Parks before cruising onto Perth via Wave Rock.
Basix
Explorer
Minibus,Private vehicle
3
Athenaeum Theatre departing 07:15am
188 Collins Street
Melbourne
Melbourne
3000
AUSTRALIA
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
03 Jan 2021 (PBANC210103), 10 Jan 2021 (PBANC210110), 17 Jan 2021 (PBANC210117), 07 Feb 2021 (PBANC210207)
Regent Theatre (Melbourne DEFAULT pickup) @7:25am
191 Collins St
CBD
Melbourne
3000
AUSTRALIA
Central Perth
Perth
Perth
AUSTRALIA
1. This trip starts in Melbourne at approximately 6am and finishes on arrival in Perth on day 13 at around 6:00pm. We recommend booking a post nights accommodation and booking onwards flights/travel the following day. 2. This trip requires a sleeping bag, not available to purchase. 3. Adelaide accommodation is the YHA
All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the areas visited on the trip, including historical, environmental, cultural and social aspects.
REMOTE AREA TRAVEL: We carry a satellite phone on all of our remote/overland trips to be used by our leaders in the event of an emergency and for your safety. In addition, all of our leaders are First Aid trained and certified. HYDRATION: Daytime temperatures can be extreme from Oct to March with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. Please bring a large refillable water bottle. We strongly recommend the use of dehydration salts and sports drinks as a way to combat dehydration during times of extreme heat. BEACH SAFETY: Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beach users. They can occur at any beach, and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Rip currents are responsible for around 15,000 beach rescues and up to 120 people being drowned each year in Australia (source: Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA). To enjoy Australia's beaches safely, take the following simple precautions: * Always swim between the red and yellow flags, as these indicate it is a supervised location where a lifesaving service is currently on duty. * Do not swim at unsupervised locations. * Observe and obey safety signage, which indicates current and typical hazards for that location. * Ask a lifeguard or lifesaver for advice on conditions; they are there to make your experience safer and more enjoyable. * Always swim with a friend; never swim alone. * If you get into trouble, stay calm and signal for help by calling and waving your arm above your head. Be aware of your own limitations in terms of your physical health and your swimming ability in the given conditions. Never swim while, or after, consuming alcohol.
Wireless (wi-fi) is common across accommodation in Australia. Some properties may charge a fee for usage. Cafe's and pubs may have wi-fi for a fee, with those in tourist area's generally offering limited free useage. Shopping centre's, airports and other public spaces offer limited free wi-fi access. Travelling even a small distance from populated areas will see internet access stop. Many of our camps have little to no internet access (any access at all is expensive) being as remote as they are. Turn your phone off and enjoy the beauty of this part of the world. Australia’s main telecommunication companies all operate in towns in the NT, SA and VIC. Different networks will work in outback or regional area's. Pay phones (most are prepaid card only) are rarer than hen's teeth but can be found in most campsites we use. If you are spending longer in Australia, it might be a good idea to purchase a local SIM card for data and your mobile device. if you need to purchase a phone locally. look for Telstra's 'blue tick' phones with better coverage in rural areas. Guides are equipped with satellite phones for emergencies only
All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Failure to do so means you may not be allowed to board your flight to Australia. Most nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority via the internet before arrival. Please check the following website or with your relevant Australian visa issuing office for your nationalities requirements. http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/
Hike up to the Pinnacles for impressive views across the Grampians
Witness the stunning blue seas, powder white sands and secluded bays of Cape Le Grand National Park
Take the chance to swim with sea lions and dolphins in Baird Bay
Be treated to exceptional views of Loch Ard Gorge
Keep an eye out for Koalas high in the gumtrees along the world renowned Great Ocean Road
This trip is a combination of multishare dormitory accommodation that may be mixed gender. Between Adelaide and Perth, we camp in swags in National parks with very basic toilet and shower facilities. You're literally crossing our great country from east to west, so there are some serious km we have to cover. Be prepared with reading material and music for those long days.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Our tours are activity and participation based. During your travels with us you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer. All food for this trip is purchased and packed prior to your group leaving on day one. After we’ve left town it can be very difficult to source special dietary requests. Travellers with special dietary requirements or food allergies are required to advise us at the time of booking. You may be asked to pay for any additional food if you have not advised us of any special dietary requirements. Due to the often remote nature of our trips, food is basic but plentiful and delicious. The below dietary needs can be easily catered for. Vegetarian Gluten Free Dairy Free (soy available ) Pork Free Please bring your own staples (nuts, bars, snacks) if you require a diet differing from the above. * Religious and more specific dietary requirements are generally unable to be catered for on these trips. NOTE: For those passengers commencing their trip in Yulara, lunch will not be provided on day one.
The Australian Dollar (A$) is the currency of Australia. Credit and debit cards are readily accepted just about everywhere in Australia. Occasionally there may be a minimum spend for both in smaller shops. You can usually withdraw money from shops where EFTPOS is available. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are common across Australia. ATM's may be limited in remote areas and your leader will advise you when to withdraw extra cash. Credit cards in Australia require a pin number rather than a signature and may have a small surcharge for purchases. Tipping is not expected but appreciated.
LUGGAGE RESTRICTION: Pack only your bare essentials. Due to limited space and strictly enforced road laws regarding weight limits, Intrepid travellers can carry a maximum of 15 kg (10kg for any trips visiting Kakadu or the Kimberley). You are required to limit your luggage to one small to medium sized soft bag or backpack and a small daypack, which can be carried inside the vehicle. Intrepid cannot guarantee to carry overweight or oversized luggage. Please store bulky items at your pre tour accommodation. It may be necessary to freight excess luggage at your own expense.
Winter (June, July, August) night time temperatures in the South of the country can reach below zero. Please ensure you pack appropriately. Warm jacket, thermals, woollen hat is advisable for the colder months. Depending on the region you are visiting, particularly the South, you may also need to pack waterproof trousers and a jacket. Daytime temperatures can be extreme from Oct to March with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. In the Top End Night time temperatures can also be high at this time of year. Australia has relaxed attitudes to standards of dress, however the extreme sunshine can cause sunburn- particularly in summer. We recommend that you bring loose, cool, cotton clothing to protect yourself from the harsh sun. A sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must. From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius, and sometimes well into the 40’s. Be prepared to endure extra physical stress due to the heat at these times, especially while on walks. These extreme temperatures can also place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your tour guide will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping hydrated. Please come prepared for all extremes.
This trip uses swag camping, this is an 'Aussie Bed Roll' made from canvas. It has a mattress built into the swag, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag for this trip.
HEADLAMP OR TORCH: A headlamp or torch is recommended for around your accommodation at night. Some properties have limited lighting and are powered by generators that switch off at a certain time. It’s a good idea to bring a headlamp or torch, particularly as there are some nights spent camping.
ITINERARY CHANGES: Please note that some of our planned activities are contingent on seasonal conditions. We will arrange alternative activities if this is the case. This is a flexible itinerary and may be altered to allow for better times to view certain inclusions depending on sunset/sunrise and weather conditions.
Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a customer are strictly forbidden. Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect that you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption. The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronising sex workers will not be tolerated on our trips. By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact section of this Essential Trip Information. For additional Conditions of Carriage regarding COVID-19, see here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/conditions-carriage
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Departing MELBOURNE: ALL general enquiry must be directed to our Reservations team on 1300 654 604. In the case of a GENUINE EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the DAY OF DEPARTURE ONLY please contact our Operations Manager in Melbourne. Departing ADELAIDE: contact our operations manager in Adelaide. If your call does NOT warrant an emergency situation you will be asked to call our Reservations team in business hours.’ Melbourne Operations: 03 9393 1333 Nullabor Traveller: 1800 816 858
Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel
Help us change thousands of lives by creating meaningful work and supporting skills training in communities around the world. The Intrepid Foundation is the not-for-profit for Intrepid Group. We work with local organisations around the world to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals and communities through sustainable travel experiences. With our travellers’ help, we’ve contributed more than AU $6 million to over 100 community organisations since 2002. Did you know that tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the global economy, making up 1 out of every 10 jobs? That’s why we support local projects that create meaningful jobs and give people the skills they need to work in the destinations we take you to. And it’s why we exist – to make it easy for travellers to give back to the communities and places they’ve been in an effective and meaningful way. Intrepid Group covers all administration costs, every cent goes directly to the projects. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your leader for information about the projects we support through The Intrepid Foundation or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/
PARTICIPATORY CAMPING: To participate in this trip you must be prepared to assist with preparing meals, cleaning dishes, collecting firewood, setting up and packing up camp every day, in all conditions. This trip is BASIX and is a combination of multishare hostel accommodation and swag camping. Hostel accommodation may be mixed gender. Swags are 'Aussie Bed Rolls' made from sturdy canvas with a mattress built into the swag. We also carry 3 person dome tents which are shared by 2 people. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag for this trip, not available for purchase. Please also provide your own pillow if you wish. Camping locations may vary depending on weather and conditions. Night 1: Warnambool Beach Backpackers (multishare with shared facilities) Night 2: Brambucks YHA (multishare with shared facilities) Night 3: Adelaide Central YHA (multishare with shared facilities) Night 4: Warren Gorge - swag camping. Toilet facilities, no showers Night 5: Coodlie Park Bush camp - swag camping. Toilet facilities, solar powered showers Night 6: Shelly Beach Campground. Swag camping. Basic toilet and shower facilities Night 7: The Nullarbor - swag camping. No toilet or shower facilities Night 8: Cape Le Grand National Park. - swag camping. Toilet facilities, solar powered showers Night 9: Cape Le Grand National Park. - swag camping. Toilet facilities, solar powered showers Night 10: The Stirling Ranges - swag camping. Basic toilet and shower facilities available Night 11: Shannon's National Park - swag camping. Toilet facilities, solar powered showers Night 12: Big Valley Campground - swag camping. Basic toilet and shower facilities.
From October to March it is likely that you will experience temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius, and sometimes well into the 40’s. Be prepared to endure extra physical stress due to the heat at these times, especially while on walks. These extreme temperatures can also place stress on the air-conditioning units within our vehicles which can make travelling uncomfortable. Your tour guide will assist with regular breaks and information to assist keeping hydrated. In July and August, very cold temperatures can be experienced both in the outback and along the coast, especially overnight. Please come prepared for all extremes. DRIVING DISTANCES IN AUSTRALIA Australia is a BIG country! In fact, the whole of Europe fits into Australia with plenty of room to spare. Australia has a total land area of 7,706,168 sq km (2,975,368 sq miles) and the coastline spans a massive 15,049km. (5,810mi) Here in Australia we're used to driving long distances on holiday, but you may not be. Perth to Broome is approx the length of Portugal. Driving from Alice Springs to Darwin is about the length of the UK and Perth to Adelaide is about the same distance from Spain to Poland. Yep, it's a big country! However, that's why we think seeing Australia from the ground is better. We live in a country that has it all; stunning coastline and beaches, the outback, tropical rainforests, and some seriously amazing landscapes and wildlife. Whilst you may spend some days in the vehicle a little longer than others getting to the next destination, we think it's worth it!
Australians are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare. However we strongly recommend that Australians have a domestic travel insurance policy which covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. It is also strongly advisable that Australians have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Travel insurance is compulsory for all international travellers and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it. If you obtain travel insurance through us you acknowledge that you are satisfied with the level of insurance we have arranged.
PARTICIPATORY CAMPING On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Your leader will prepare most of the meals whilst on tour but you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer.
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES: Please note due to cultural sensitivities, entry to particular parts of local First Nations communities may be unavailable. Where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides are unavailable in the Red Centre an Intrepid guide will lead the interpretive cultural walk. Top End cultural experiences are only available during the dry season (May-Oct) as site is subject to flooding (contact our customer service team for availability). Participants may be absent due to cultural commitments with minimal prior notification and Intrepid reserves the right to amend the itinerary in these circumstances with no obligation to refund. Swim with Australian Sealions & Dolphins from $150-$160 Witnessing the rare and endangered Australian Sea Lions and dolphins in their natural habitat is one of the most life-enhancing experiences. The inquisitive, gentle nature of these stunning sea creatures is unparalleled in the underwater world. Your day, swimming with the sea lions set off on a half-day tour to the crystal clear waters of Seal Cove, where the gorgeous puppies of the sea welcome your arrival as they bound toward the boat with their unmistakable glee and excitement; performing somersaults and graceful swirls, inviting you to join in!
Bush camp (no facilities) (3 nights),Camping (with basic facilities) (5 nights),Dormitory (3 nights),Farmstay (1 night)